Geographic Information Systems for Indigenous forests and communities
Learn about América Anayelli Olguín’s journey bridging technology and ancestral knowledge
FSC-IF
América Anayelli Olguín, a young Indigenous woman from Zacatlán, Mexico, is pursuing a postgraduate degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at UNIGIS Latin America. Her studies are supported by the FSC Indigenous Foundation’s Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD) Program.
The degree focuses on tools for capturing and analyzing geospatial data to support territorial development, agriculture, and environmental conservation in Indigenous territories. As part of the MOCAF Network and the Regional Collective in Defense of Forests and Territory, this knowledge empowers América to strengthen sustainable forest use and community organization initiatives within her community.
“By using these applications, I am able to involve more young people in my community in the development and care of our forests and biodiversity,” she says.
Carrying out the legacy of her ancestors, she is developing land management plans and participatory assessments for forest communities in her region. Watch the video below for the impact these studies will have on her community and territory.
Join us in supporting the vital work of Indigenous leaders like América. Indigenous leaders have the solutions to protect their territories on which we all depend. By investing in capacity enhancement initiatives, we can promote and scale up these solutions. If you would like to get involved, reach out to us at fsc.if@fsc.org
The Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD) Program works to enable Indigenous Peoples globally to strengthen their capacities, so they can manage and develop their communities based on their priorities, traditional knowledge, natural resource management, and respect for their rights. It is supported by USAID, the Forest Stewardship Council, and private sector partners.
Rights, recognition, and economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples across Africa
At COP16 the FSC Indigenous Foundation signed an agreement with the Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC)
FSC-IF
The Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC) is the largest Indigenous Peoples’ network in the world, made up of 135 Indigenous Peoples’ organizations in 21 African countries and headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa.
At the Convention on Biological Diversity COP16, the FSC Indigenous Foundation is pleased to announce that we are expanding our collaboration with IPACC. Together, we will work with and for Indigenous Peoples in Africa to promote rights, self-development, and landscapes across the continent.
Our collaboration will focus on:
Capacity sharing to advocate for Indigenous Peoples’ rights in Africa: including strategic planning, IPACC’s women’s strategy, and technical support.
Promoting recognition and participation of Indigenous Peoples: for rights and self-governance of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making related to land and resources management.
Diversifying economic activities rooted in Indigenous cosmovision and traditional knowledge: including resource mapping, partnerships, technical support, and small grants for Indigenous women-led enterprises.
We believe that working together with Indigenous Peoples is crucial for both their communities and the well-being of our planet. Join us to create sustainable impact for Africa’s biodiversity and beyond.
For more information, please contact:
Salina Sanou
FSC-IF Regional Director for Africa and Asia and IPARD Deputy Director
Join us at Climate Week New York to connect with the value of Indigenous knowledge and territories
FSC-IF
The FSC Indigenous Foundation is happy to announce its participation in Climate Week New York. As a leading global advocate for Indigenous-led climate solutions, the Foundation will join key organizations and global leaders in addressing critical environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.
Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge offers vital solutions to the climate crisis. They manage over 25% of the global landmass, making the future of Indigenous territories key to global sustainability. The FSC-IF seeks to integrate Indigenous knowledge into climate strategies and supports Indigenous leaders, for the future of our planet and for us all. Catch us at our side events listed below, or reach out to organize a meeting.
It’s time to lead with Indigenous solutions and make a meaningful impact. Join us in driving positive change.
Supporting Indigenous Self-Determination, Self-Reliance, and Self-Governance in Nature-based Solutions
Date and time: Monday, September 23rd, 2024, 10:30 – 11:30
Location: Nature Positive Hub, Convene, 101 Park Ave, New York.Room: Chrysler Forum
Description: Indigenous Peoples are at the forefront of land protection. Although they comprise less than 6% of the world’s population, their collective territories are close to 25% of the land base and contain 80% of the world’s remaining terrestrial biodiversity. However, Indigenous Peoples face countless challenges that limit their capacity to strengthen their livelihood practices and secure rights and self-determination within their territories. The moderated panel will highlight the necessity of Indigenous-led climate solutions and barriers to achieving a healthier planet.
This event will illustrate the reciprocal relationship Indigenous Peoples have with Mother Earth, demonstrating the role of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent in rights-based approaches, and discussing partnerships between businesses and Indigenous organizations to support self-determination. It is hosted by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the world’s most respected and widespread forest certification system, and the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF), a global Indigenous-led organization working to elevate Indigenous Peoples in their contribution to the protection of Mother Earth and recognize them as providers of solutions and partners to fight against global challenges.
Panelists:
Hindou Omarou IbrahimChair of FSC Indigenous Foundation Counciland Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Moderator: Satnam Manhas, R.P.F., Senior Manager, Indigenous Capacity Support Canada, FSC Indigenous Foundation
Our People, Our Future: From Commitment to Actions
Date and time: September 26, 2024, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Location: Studio 3, 873 Broadway, #401, New York, N.Y 10010
Description: This event, hosted by the FSC Indigenous Foundation and Health in Harmony will connect Indigenous Peoples with business and philanthropy, offering an opportunity to engage and scale social, environmental, and economic impact when working together. It will provide the opportunity to:
Discover solutions: Learn about Indigenous approaches to climate change, land degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
Contribute resources: Find actionable ways to contribute your resources and expertise towards impactful projects, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Indigenous Peoples are key to addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Through collaboration, we can make a significant impact in these areas.
Build partnerships: Network to form strategic alliances for sustainability.
Boost business value: Discover how integrating ecosystem services can enhance sustainability, including biodiversity, carbon markets, and beyond.
Verify impact: Learn methods for impact verification to ensure your contributions are making a measurable difference.
Panelists:
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim,Chair of FSC Indigenous Foundation Counciland President of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Jerome Foster II, Climate Activist
Solange Bandiaky-Badji, President and Coordinator, Rights and Resources Initiative
Rachel Markham, Principal, Patchwork Collective
Ashley Emerson, Co-CEO Business and Scale, Health in Harmony
Moderator: Satnam Manhas, Senior Manager, Indigenous Capacity Support Canada, FSC Indigenous Foundation
Join us in this transformative journey to drive positive change and sustainability.
The FSC-IF is leading global efforts toward resilient Indigenous-led solutions, but we cannot do it alone. We call on partners to help us achieve visionary goals by leveraging the power of your resources, expertise, and innovation. If you would like to meet us during Climate Week to discuss how we can build sustainable solutions together, write to us at fsc.if@fsc.org.
Indigenous leadership for lands, forests, and territories
Central African Indigenous leaders gather for training on advocacy, leadership, communication, and project management in Douala, Cameroon.
FSC-IF
Central Africa’s forest ecosystems are home to exceptional biodiversity, offering vast potential for the socio-economic development of the region. Recognizing the ecological and economic importance of these forests—and the growing threats they face—the Heads of State of Central Africa pledged in March 1999 through the “Yaoundé Declaration” to work collaboratively towards the conservation and sustainable management of their countries’ forest ecosystems. This commitment supports the economic and social development efforts of their populations.
In line with this vision, the Network of Indigenous and Local Populations for the Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystems in Central Africa (REPALEAC) was established in 2003. As a key partner under the FSC Indigenous Foundation’s Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD) Program, REPALEAC serves as a sub-regional platform for promoting and protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) across Central Africa. The network unites over 200 grassroots Indigenous community organizations, spread across eight national networks in Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Chad.
From 26-30 August 2024, REPALEAC, in collaboration with the FSC Indigenous Foundation, hosted an intensive training workshop in Douala, Cameroon, with 50 representatives from its member organizations to strengthen the organizational and operational capacities of the network.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in sessions designed to:
Enhance their knowledge of leadership, advocacy techniques, organizational communication, and project management principles.
Equip them with the technical skills necessary for collecting data on land tenure within Indigenous territories. This includes training on cartography, participatory mapping—particularly three-dimensional mapping—and the creation of databases to document the areas occupied by Indigenous Peoples in Central Africa.
Provide a deeper understanding of FSC standards related to Indigenous Peoples and the relationship between FSC and the FSC-IF, as well as USAID guidelines and policies concerning Indigenous Peoples. The workshop also explored the integration of Indigenous rights and priorities in USAID’s bilateral cooperation programs with states.
The workshop’s opening ceremony was graced by the Vice President of REPALEAC, highlighting the significance of the event for the region’s Indigenous communities.
“The forests of Central Africa are not just natural resources; they are the lifeblood of our communities, sustaining our way of life and our cultural heritage,” stated a representative from REPALEAC during the opening remarks.
“This workshop is a crucial step towards ensuring that Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities are at the forefront of decisions affecting their lands and resources,” said another REPALEAC representative.
REPALEAC members were curious to understand how USAID works with organizations such as the FSC-IF.
“For Indigenous Peoples, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is important because it is the right to self-determination; opportunities for socioeconomic development and benefit-sharing; safeguarding against adverse impacts on lands, territories, natural resources, cultural heritage and/or sacred sites; supporting and aligning with Indigenous development plans and fulfilling obligations under international, regional and national regulatory frameworks,” said Vy Lam, USAID Indigenous Peoples Advisor.
The workshop focused on implementing REPALEAC’s strategic plan, which has four key objectives:
Securing Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Communities’ lands, vision territories, and natural resources.
Ensuring IPLC participation in decisions concerning access to and sustainable management of land, forests, and natural resources at local, national, and international levels.
Increasing and consolidating sustainable economic benefits for IPLCs from the management of natural resources and forests.
Improving the living conditions of IPLCs sustainably.
“We arevery grateful to the FSC-IF for the ongoing training in Douala. The module on ‘Leadership’ will surely bear fruit where the leadership of the network at the national level will demonstrate quality organizations.” said Basiru Isa, the REPALEAC’s Secretary General.
“Empowering our communities with knowledge and skills is essential for us to effectively protect our lands and assert our rights,” remarked one of the participants.
“This workshop is not just about learning; it’s about preparing to take action in our respective countries,” said another REPALEAC representative.
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants drafted action plans to implement the knowledge they acquired to make a tangible impact in their home countries.
In her closing remarks, Salina Sanou, FSC-IF Regional Director for Africa and Asia stated, “FSC-IF is pleased to be your partner of choice. We’re here to support you every step of the way. We’re also ready to learn from you because that’s what partnership is all about. Call on us any time. Our commitment to Indigenous Peoples knows no bounds.”
As we left this gathering, FSC-IF called for a working committee to co-create new initiatives with us for funding to scale up work with Indigenous Peoples in the African region.
